With Saturday’s evening’s events traditionally the biggest draw-card at the VOC Festival, it was no surprise that despite the autumn bite in the air, thousands of festival-goers would pack the Vygieskraal stadium. More than 10 000 people streamed into the gates on Saturday night, with a sizeable crowd flocking to the teagarden. But as more people filtered in, the venue became chock-a-block with the crowds causing much congestion. By 10pm, festival-goers had to be directed to the stadium track and stands, where chairs were set up on side-lines for front-row seats to the main stage.

With cold weather setting in after Maghrib, most festival-goers came prepared with jackets and thick scarves to keep warm. But the nippy conditions was not a dampener for the audience, who lapped in the music and humourous performances on stage.

Festival-goers overflowed with joy and excitement as they awaited their favourite VOC radio personalities while indulging in the festivities.

“My mommy comes every year she wants to see Boeta Yusuf Fisher. She listens to his show,” says Muniera Isaacs.

“I enjoy the festival. I’m coming again next year,” said Achmat Kamroodien.

“The rides are the best for the children. It gives me a break and keeps them busy,” says Zurina Davids.

“The food is excellent and we enjoy it every year,” says Zainab Samuels.

With almost 30 000 festival-goers expected over the entire weekend, there is no better place to trade than the 2015 VOC Festival. Many stalls holders are catering to the diversity of the community with their products by promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Stall holders are selling goods that will cater to every individual’s needs, such as scarves, abayas, konfyt, beauty therapy, property investment, gym membership, umrah packages and many more. Each are driven in their business by what they perceive makes what they are offering unique.

Aqilah Foods has prepared akhni for festival-goers to feast on, giving them the opportunity to taste their rice.

“We have cooked some akhni with Aqilah rice for people to taste and we hope that will bring them back to buy the rice,” says manager Tasneem Slamang.
“2kg is selling at R35 and R77 for 5kg. We sell fragrant, basmati and regular rice. We are very well known for the aroma of our rice but what makes us the best is that our product keeps in mind the pockets of the ordinary person. We are the cheapest with the product we are offering,” says Slamang.

The City of Cape Town is offering Capetonian’s education on waste management.

“We want people to deal with their waste in the correct manner, also to make people aware of our various drop-off areas. If anyone sees anyone participating in illegal waste dumping they should report it on 0860 103 089.”

Pink Drive, a non-profit organisation, are selling all items pink to raise funds for breast cancer patients and research. For more assistance contact the organisation on 021 697 5650 or visit 39 Belgravia Road, Athlone.

“We are selling cycling gear, head gear and much more to raise funds for our clinical breast exam,” says the director.

Saleh Salon offers beauty treatments that include threading, waxing, hair straightening, manicures, pedicures and facials.

“We are the best in what we do. Our hair straightening lasts for one year,” says Farhana.

Al Nur offers people umrah packages at affordable prices including two packages. Package one includes 6 nights Eiman Taiba bed only in Medinah, 6 nights Elaf Asalam with breakfast in Makkah, Umrah Visa, All transfers, Ziyarat Makkah and Medinah and shuttle service available for R17800 per person and Package two at R23000.

“We serve the hujaaj with excellence,” says Haji Yusuf Fisher. VOC